Even after a loss, spirits are up at Halas Hall. The Bears are still in first place.
“Every week feels like the playoffs,” guard Kyle Long said. “And that’s what you play for. It’s like in high school — if you lose one or two games throughout the season, you’re out of the playoffs. We don’t want to lose. We’re not used to it right now. We need to show people that we’re a winning team. We’ve proven that to ourselves. Now we have to do it week in and week out.”
It’s a long time coming for Long, the second-longest-tenured Bear (behind cornerback Sherrick McManis). He has played through 8-8, 5-11, 6-10, 3-13 and 5-11 seasons.
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“I’m just happy to be here and be part of a great team and help out where I can,” Long said. “I’ll give everything to this team because I’ve been here when it’s none of you guys [reporters] here on a Tuesday, and it feels good to have people care about the Bears the same way we do.”
Amukamara, Robinson limited
Cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring), wide receiver Allen Robinson (groin) and guard Eric Kush (neck) were limited in practice Wednesday. Linebacker Khalil Mack (ankle) and cornerback Marcus Cooper (hamstring) did not practice.
Dolphins facing inquiry
The NFL is looking into whether the Dolphins violated injury-report policy with quarterback Ryan Tannehill last week, the Miami Herald reported. Tannehill was not listed on the injury report as the Dolphins practiced for their game against the Bears but was a game-day scratch because of a shoulder injury. Coach Adam Gase acknowledged Brock Osweiler took “maybe a few reps” in last Thursday’s practice. But the injury report indicated Tannehill had full participation.